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How often to wash your bedsheets

A clean bed can be the secret to a relaxing bedroom space. But how do people define "clean" when it comes to their bedding?

Turns out this is up for debate. A survey found that 44% of Americans report washing their bedsheets once or twice a month, 39% wash once a week, and 11% only wash once every 3 months.

Regardless of your sheet-washing habits, it's important to protect both your sheets and mattress with an extended warranty plan. When you subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited, you're able to get coverage for nearly all your online purchases under the same product protection plan, so you can buy with peace of mind.

So, how often are you actually supposed to wash your bedsheets?

Protect unlimited online purchases for $9.99/month

Why do you need to wash your sheets?

We spend as many as 60 or more hours on our beds each week. This is about the right amount of time most bodies need for sufficient rest and rejuvenation. But it also gives your bedsheets plenty of time to build up oil, sweat, dead skin cells, drool, and dirt. This also invites dust mites, who feed on shed skin cells.

Regularly washing your sheets helps prevent these from building up. Despite the ick factor, there are other issues that can occur with uncleaned sheets.

Here are some of the consequences of skipping wash day too many times:

  • Asthma flareups
  • Skin breakouts
  • Allergic reactions
  • Dermatitis
  • Eczema 

When should you wash your sheets more often?

Even if you’ve got a regular laundry routine, some circumstances call for upping your wash frequency. Here are a few situations in which you need to wash your sheets more often.

You’re sick

If you have a cold, flu, or other illness, make sure those sheets get in the wash two to three days after you start to recover. Some bacteria, viruses, or funguses can hang around on surfaces and could infect anyone who comes into contact with your bed.

You have asthma or allergies

For asthmatics and allergy sufferers, dust mites can trigger symptoms. These reactions can make it harder to sleep well. In addition, you can continue to have symptoms even hours after you leave your bed.

You have pets

Whether or not your pets sleep in your bed, they shed hair, fur, dander, and bring additional dirt that is likely to get tracked in and collect with the other dust in your room. Dirt and dander from fur can cause dermatitis.

How often should you wash your sheets?

Experts recommend the following wash schedule for your bedding, no matter which bed sheet sizes you have:

  • Bedsheets should be washed an average of once a week.
  • Pillow cases can be washed with bedsheets, or once a week.
  • Duvet covers can be washed once a month.
  • Pillows should be washed every 4-6 months.
  • Blankets can be washed once every 2-3 months.

Wash all bedding with detergent and on the hottest setting permitted according to your bedding care label. Hotter temperatures help remove bacteria and allergens.

Extend the life of your sheets (and bed)

With regular usage, sheets wear out over time and need to be replaced. Washing your bedding goes beyond hygiene—it’s also key to helping your stuff last as long as possible. 

Without regular washes, your sheets can transfer oil, dust, and grime buildup to your pillows and mattress. This means you’ll be replacing your bed essentials more often. The mess transfer can go both ways, so keeping your bed and room clean helps your sheets to stay in better condition between washes.

What are tips for bed care and cleanliness?

Here are some essential tips to make sure your bedding and bed last as long as intended:

  • Replace your pillows. You should get new pillows after every two to three years.
  • Have extra sheet sets. Buy two or more sets of bed sheets so you can switch between them in between washes.
  • Pay attention to materials. The best material for bed sheets depends on your preferences. If you like something lighter, linen is a good option. If you want soft, Egyptian cotton is perfect. Depending on what material your bed sheets are made of, they might have different care instructions, so it's important to pay attention.
  • Get product protection on your bed. Look for mattresses, blankets, and linens that offer extended product coverage. You can get protection from defects, accidents, and wear due to normal use on your bedroom essentials.
  • Regularly clean your room. Vacuum your carpet, sweep, and dust your surfaces to get rid of dust and dust mites that could collect on your bed.
  • Reduce moisture buildup. Avoid mold or mildew growth by ensuring you have proper ventilation and running a fan. If you’re in a particularly humid area, get a dehumidifier for your bedroom.

Protect your bed with Mulberry

Even with perfect care of your bed, things happen. The best way to protect your bedroom essentials is to add extended warranties for your mattress, blankets, pillows, and sheets in your next purchases.

Look for products that offer additional coverage options beyond manufacturer warranties. This is a good indicator that the company stands behind their products and wants you to use them for a long time.

An extended warranty plan can protect against defects, spills, and accidents that shorten your mattress life. If your sheets become stained or worn down from normal use, or if they have stains or fading due to defective fabric, you can get them replaced.

With the amount of time you spend in your bed each week, you want to invest in quality products. By subscribing to Mulberry Unlimited, you'll get coverage for your bedsheets, bed, and more under the same product protection plan, and that's sure to make you sleep more soundly.

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We are on a mission to help consumers protect everything they buy. Mulberry is an innovative product protection platform that enables businesses to seamlessly embed a customized protection program, delivering a unique user benefit for customers.

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